Smith is the longest-tenured Saints player. A first-round draft pick in 2004 out of the the Ohio State University, Smith has racked up 67.5 career sacks and two interceptions.

The 31-year-old Smith is one of the Saints team captains and was a Pro Bowl selection in 2006.

Vilma has been with the Saints since 2008 when he was acquired in a trade from the New York Jets. A team captain and popular player, Vilma was voted to the NFL Pro Bowl in both 2009 and 2010.

In recent years, Vilma has missed significant time due to injury. Between 2012-2013 the former University of Miami star had three knee surgeries.

Vilma and Smith also dealt with controversy during their time in New Orleans. Smith was suspended for several games for using a banned diet drug and both players were implicated in the NFL's bounty investigation.

Smith was suspended for four games for his involvement in the pay-for-pain scandal that rocked the Saints organization. Vilma received a season-long suspension from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Both suspensions were eventually overturned.

After finishing a disappointing 7-9 overall, the Saints are in the process of revamping their roster. In 2012, the Saints defense set an NFL record by giving up 7,042 yards to opposing offenses. New defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is switching from a 4-3 front to a 3-4 system.

A Mexican photojournalist who left the state he worked in because of threats was among five people found shot to death in a Mexico City apartment this weekend, officials and press freedom advocacy groups said.